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It’s been a sweltering summer so far and with the heat not showing any signs of letting up for long, so travel experts have got together to name the UK’s top 10 beach bars.
From coastal cocktail spots to laid-back hangouts, these seaside locations promise holiday vibes without the long-haul flight and to help holidaymakers find their ideal accommodation, Sykes Holiday Cottages has also shared standout properties near each bar in the ranking.
James Shaw, from Sykes, said: “With summer well underway, there is no better time to soak up the warm weather than by catching up with friends and family at one of our country’s many beach bars.
“Our recent Staycation Index report revealed that nearly two-thirds of Brits are planning a staycation in 2025, so whether it’s the coast, countryside or city, this season offers a wealth of chances to make lasting memories close to home.”
Nestled at the base of Brighton’s Palace Pier, OHSO Social has a spacious terrace that opens straight onto the sand. It’s the perfect pitstop for drinks and food while soaking up sea views and coastal vibes. Open daily and from 10am on weekends, it’s great for early beachgoers and it’s dog-friendly, meaning holidaymakers can bring their pooches for a day out. Guests looking to explore Brighton with their dog in tow can stay at Cliffe Cottage, a two-bedroom retreat nestled in the heart of Lewes, Sussex. Inside, travellers can discover a cosy living room, modern kitchen-diner, and peaceful rear garden.
The Beach Deck, Eastbourne
Perched right at the water’s edge, The Beach Deck pairs its laid-back atmosphere with its wooden stools, palm-frond decor and floor-to-ceiling windows, making it the ultimate pit-stop in Eastbourne. From 9am till 4:30pm daily, the menu offers everything from hearty brunch bowls and fresh seafood wraps to light bites and gooey cakes. Sip on local ales, crisp ciders or a chilled glass of rosé as you watch the tide roll in before heading back to Portland Cottage, a two-bedroom getaway adjacent to Eastbourne’s beaches. Here, visitors can expect a fully equipped kitchen, comfy furnishings and off-road parking.
Surfside
Nestled on Cornwall’s stunning northern coastline, Surfside Polzeath opened in 2017 before expanding in 2022 with adding extra seating, a larger terrace and year-round opening hours. Home to one of the UK’s largest rum selections, you’ll find over 90 varieties behind the bar and kids and pets are welcome too, with a children’s menu packed with bite-sized fish goujons, mini flatbreads and creamy ice-creams. Those looking to stay locally to Polzeath can try Seascape, which has space for up to 12 guests, as well as a utility, games room, and plunge pool.
Tavern On The Bay, Benllech
Perched on Traeth Benllech’s shoreline, Tavern on the Bay boasts panoramic views of North Wales coast – from Llandudno’s Great Orme to the sandy bay right below. Rustic interiors and a spacious terrace make it the ideal spot for sunset cocktails, while floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning views. Open until 9:30pm on weekdays, and 10:30pm at weekends, the menu features shareable nibbles, hearty mains and a standout cocktail list, plus craft beers and Welsh ciders. Regular live-music nights mean the party often carries on past dusk for those wanting to stay nearby, Steps Away in the Isle of Anglesey promises an open plan living space and private garden for up to four people.
The Pier Tavern, Great Yarmouth
Located steps from the golden sands of Great Yarmouth, The Pier Tavern doubles as both a laid-back beach bar by day and one of the town’s top nightlife spots by night. Pull up a stool on the open terrace or head inside to neon-lit booths to find arcade classics, a pool table and DJ sets. Open until midnight on weekdays, the bar’s drink list covers everything from crisp pilsners and local ciders to inventive cocktails and spritzers. Pop in for a pre-beach pint at 11am or stay on for late-night tipples before heading back to Sandpiper Court. This charming cottage features historic architecture, as well as a snug living room and patio, and is only a short walk to the coastline.
Revo Kitchen, Weston-super-Mare
One of the largest beach bars on this list, Revo Kitchen sprawls across the shore of Weston-Super-Mare’s golden sands and is perfect for families, groups and anyone craving space to stretch out. Open from 9am until 10:30pm (11 pm on weekends), its vibrant, relaxed setting means you can drop in for a breakfast bap, seaside lunch or an evening cocktail with equal ease. Couples looking to stay nearby can visit Acorn, a charming lodge ideal for unwinding from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its wood fired hot tub, patio and off-road parking, it offers the perfect home away from home.
Jerome’s & Pavilion, Bridlington
Set in a restored Victorian pavilion just steps from Hornsea’s sandy beach, Jerome’s & Pavilion pairs seaside café vibes with a laid-back bar atmosphere. Grab Britain’s best-voted fish and chips inside or settle on the sun-soaked terrace with a pint of local ale or a classic G&T. Open from breakfast through evening, the menu includes flaky cod, hand-cut chips and hearty grills, and travellers looking to visit the area can stay in Waggoner’s Cottage. A two-bedroom bungalow which has a private garden and open-plan living space, it’s the ideal spot for families.
The Watering Hole, Perranporth
The UK’s only bar built on sand, The Watering Hole has been a Perranporth favourite since 1978 and now houses its own surf school and year-round live music events, making it a perfect hub for holidaymakers. Open 9am to 10pm daily, with this extending to 1am on Fridays and Saturdays, its seasonal menu features staples like the Catch of the Day, gourmet burgers and a hearty kids’ menu, alongside refreshing cocktails, local ales and ciders. Holidaymakers can stay at 3 Spyrys Heyl, which overlooks the beach and has an outside shower for those wanting to get rid of sandy toes before relaxing in the open-plan living area.
Hive Beach Café, Burton Bradstock
Established in 1991 beside National Trust’s Hive Beach on the Jurassic Coast, Hive Beach Café combines a restored beach pavilion with a spacious sea-view terrace and picnic benches on the sand. Dog-friendly and open year-round, it’s the perfect pit-stop for takeaway coffees, hearty brunches and homemade cakes before or after a coastal wander. Travellers looking to visit can stay in Apple Tree Cottage, which is located only a short distance away from Hive Beach. With a private garden, two bedrooms and array of amenities, it’s a relaxing spot for both families and couples alike.
Porthminster Beach Café, Carbis Bay
Tucked around the corner from St Ives in the picturesque village of Carbis Bay, Porthminster Beach Café serves Michelin-accredited seafood in a casual, dog-friendly setting. With ingredients fresh from its cliffside garden and local suppliers, it’s the perfect spot for a light lunch after a dip in the sea or a sunset supper. Sea Glass, a modern two-bedroom apartment, can be found nearby and has a seaward facing terrace, as well as a communal garden for al fresco dining.
